As we enter the festive period, we can start to enjoy spending time with friends, family and most importantly – our pets! It’s always tempting to buy our pets toys and treats, or to share our Christmas snacks with them.
However, it’s important to remember that many different foods that humans eat can unfortunately cause harm to our pets. Some toys and Christmas decorations can also be a danger to our cats, dogs and smaller pets.
Let’s delve into the different hazards that we can avoid this Christmas.
Toxic foods
Christmas desserts – Many desserts and sweet treats that we have over the festive season, such as mince pies and Christmas pudding, contain ingredients including raisins and sultanas. These can be toxic to our dogs, with the biggest risk being the cause of kidney failure.
Raisins and sultanas have an unknown toxic dose, so even just one raisin has the potential to cause harm.
Alcohol – Whilst we may enjoy a Christmas tipple, our pets’ bodies are not equipped to process alcohol. Ethanol can be found in alcohol and can be toxic to our pets. If you think that your pet has consumed alcohol, you should contact us as soon as possible.
Onions – If ingested, onions can cause damage to our pet’s red blood cells, leading to a disease known as anaemia. Onions that are raw, cooked or dried can all cause a risk of harm.
Garlic – Similar to onions, garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells. However, garlic can be significantly more harmful than onions. Even a small amount of garlic can lead to health concerns.
Chocolate – We love the taste of chocolate, and guess what? Our pets do too! Unfortunately, chocolate products, especially dark chocolate, contain an ingredient called theobromine.
Theobromine has an effect on the nervous system, heart and kidneys of our pets, due to them not being able to metabolise theobromine quickly. It can stay in the system and potentially cause damage to the organs.
Nuts – Many nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can cause weakness and vomiting if ingested by our pets. Other nuts can also pose a choking hazard, so it’s best to avoid offering nuts altogether.
Foreign objects
It’s not only food that can cause harm to our furry friends over the festive period. Our decorations and even our Christmas tree can put our pets at risk.
Pine needles – The needles that real Christmas trees drop can cause harm. Whilst a small amount is unlikely to cause a risk, ingesting a large amount can cause a gastrointestinal upset or even a blockage.
It’s best if you monitor your pets around the Christmas tree and vacuum up any needles that have fallen to the floor in order to keep them safe.
Tinsel – A traditional Christmas decoration, tinsel can brighten up our homes and add a touch of festivity to any room. Tinsel is usually made from shredded plastics and sometimes contains a metal wire that runs through the centre.
Tinsel should be placed away from our pet’s reach, including rodent and birds cages, to reduce the risk of ingestion.
Baubles – Don’t let your pets mistake a bauble for a ball! These can pose a serious choking hazard for our pets, as well as being sharp if they are broken. It’s best to keep them out of the way to avoid any accidents.
Electrical wires – Christmas ornaments and lights often require power and these are connected to the mains electricity. Ensure that the wires are covered and kept out of the way of temptation. If they are chewed, it could expose your pet to an electric shock.
Batteries – Many toys or accessories require batteries to work. If left out in the open, these could be accidently ingested by our pets. When ingested or chewed, batteries could cause internal chemical burns as well as the risk of a foreign body.
Bones – When cooking your festive meats, our cats and dogs will often enjoy some ham, turkey or beef. After all, it’s only fair that they get a little Christmas dinner too!
It’s important to be mindful of bones and these should be removed from meat before offering them to our pets. Both raw and cooked bones can cause intestinal obstructions, but cooked bones can become brittle and splinter. Bones that have splintered can perforate the gastrointestinal system, causing serious damage to internal organs.
Pet Christmas stockings – Available from most pet stores, Christmas stockings can be brimming with tasty treats and toys. Whilst many of these are fine for our pets, it’s best to avoid products which contain rawhide.
Most commonly given to dogs, rawhide has the potential to cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal system. Toys are also included in most stockings, and pets should always be monitored whilst these are being used.
Final thoughts
Whilst this all sounds very scary, we don’t want to be a Scrooge this Christmas by telling you not to enjoy yourselves. The main priority is keeping your pets safe, so making sure that all potential hazards are out of the way can mean that you and your pet can have a safe and happy festive period.
If you are concerned about your pet over the festive period, it is important to contact Pawsome Vets as soon as possible on 01623 203529.
